POCATELLO — Those in attendance got their first glimpses at local football teams going head to head in the inaugural Idaho 7s Passing Tournament on Saturday at the Portneuf Wellness Complex. Seven teams from around the region and one from the Treasure Valley took part in the 7-on-7 passing camp, the only of its kind in southeast Idaho.

Started by Idaho State University graduate assistant football coach Taylor Ragan as part of his athletic administration master’s program, the event pinned rivals and non-rivals from three different classifications against each other for a handful of 40-minute games. Offenses were only allowed to run pass plays and defenses were not allowed to blitz in the running-clock, 35-yard, one-hand touch, all-day scrimmage showcase.

For many teams, passing camps such as Saturday’s present a rare opportunity to play against different formations and schemes before the season starts.

“Schematically, when we’re going against our own guys, our offense knows what our defense is doing, our defense knows what our offense is doing, and you get tired of doing it over and over,” said Pocatello head coach Dave Spillett. “(In passing camps), you’re seeing different guys, different coverages, different looks.”

Pocatello, Century and Highland participated, along with District 5’s American Falls, District 6 foes Rigby, Skyline and Madison, and Skyview of Nampa from District 3.

As well as allowing players to sharpen up routes, pass coverages and short-yardage plays, newly minted varsity players can build rapport with their teammates.

“I got used to guys’ tendencies,” said Highland senior quarterback Payton McCarthy, who is expected to enter the 2016 season as the starter. “More often I could tell what their thought process is as far as reading defenses, got used to their speed and just learning what guys I know are going to get open for me when I need them to.”

McCarthy started four games for the Rams last season after predecessor Connor Harding was moved to wide receiver.

Ragan was excited about the turnout for the first-time event. He said once the camp is more established, he hopes it grows into a full-fledged tournament that uses all of the Wellness Complex’s open, grassy fields.

“In its first year, you want to set a foundation,” said Ragan, who played linebacker at ISU from 2011-2013. “And then going from there, this thing has the (potential) for a huge tournament going forward. Seven-on-seven passing tournaments are a great way for non-contact (football).”

Ragan said all proceeds from the camp go back to local schools for better, safer equipment. Teams were charged $150 apiece to attend and T-shirts and concessions were sold on site.

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